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Recycled Building Materials

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Roofing

Our roof shingles are made predominantly of recycled materials.  Installed in 2002, these shingles look like traditional cedar, and are made of a mix of post-industrial plastic, recycled rubber elastomers and cellulosic fibre.  

The shingles were manufactured by Enviroshake.  Enviroshake describes their product benefits as increased durability, UV protection, wind and hail resistance combined with mold, mildew and insect resistance, minimal waste upon installation, no pretreatment required, maintenance free, whilst diverting waste materials that are not biodegradable.

Recycled floorboards


Floorboards are easy to maintain and look great.  

The original EcoHouse renovations included removing carpets and restoring the original oak floorboards by sanding, then finishing with a water-based product.  Water-based varnish is far less toxic and more environmentally friendly than the more common oil-based product.  

The finish needs recoating every 5 to 15 years, depending on resident care.  

Cleaning is carried out with a damp (not wet) mop soaked in warm water with a small amount of vinegar.  

Floorboards are also more suitable for allergy sufferers, as mould and dust mites cannot live in the hardwood as they do with carpets.    

Disposal of building waste and sourcing reused materials

Students assisting in the strategic upgrade of the EcoHouse planned for the thoughtful disposal of unwanted building materials.

In Edmonton, building waste sent to landfill can be reduced by using the Architectural Clearinghouse.  This business will pick up reusable building materials free of charge and sells a wide variety of materials for reuse including doors, windows, plumbing and electrical fixtures, cabinets, cupboards, counters and more.  

Architectural Clearinghouse
Address: 5920-103rd Street
Phone no.: 780-436-1222

Second-hand and antique furniture

Reusing furniture and other products is generally far better for the environment than purchasing new items.

The EcoHouse contains largely second-hand furniture, giving the house a unique feel.

Second-hand furniture locations in Edmonton

For students and others wanting to purchase second hand furniture, or a place to donate unwanted items when moving out, please consider donating to people less fortunate.

Locations nearby to the University that sell second-hand clothing, kitchenware, furniture, and more include:
  • The Salvation Army, 10907-82 Ave, Ph. 780-439-6750
  • Value Village, 8930-82nd Avenue, Ph. 780-468-1259
To donate gently used clothing, there is a Cerebral Palsy donation bin located on 88th Avenue nearby to the University. 

To donate larger items such as dishes, food, couches, beds, etc., local organisations willing to pick them up include:

Cerebral Palsy Association of Alberta
The clothing and small household items donated to the Cerebral Palsy Association is collected and then sold to Value Village, raising funds to pay for programs and services that support and enrich the lives of people affected by cerebral palsy.  For free pick up in Edmonton call 780-477-8030 or contact via email at pickup@cpalberta.com

Salvation Army
Clothing and household items can be donated at various locations.  For a complete list of Thrift Store locations, click here.  Larger items can be called for pickup in Edmonton at 780-437-6861

Bissell Centre
To make a donation of food or other program supplies please bring it to the Centre at 10527-96 Street.  If you would like to make a donation of clothing or household goods, please bring it to 8818-118 Avenue or call 780-471-6644 for pick up.

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